US to resume full visa services with Turkey

The US has resumed full visa services with Turkey after the two countries seemingly settled their differences following a diplomatic spat in October.

The three-month standoff affected thousands of travelers.

The US stopped issuing most visas after a Turkish employee at the US Consulate in Istanbul was arrested over links to a failed coup attempt in 2016.

Turkey then retaliated by halting all visa applications from US citizens.

A limited visa service was restored last month

"The Department of State is confident that the security posture has improved sufficiently to allow the full resumption of visa services in Turkey," the US Embassy said in a statement.

However it will be some time before travelers looking to make new visa applications will see the benefit.

"In spite of long wait times, the US Mission to Turkey continues to process non-immigrant visas. Appointments are available for January 2019, and applicants can as always choose to apply outside of Turkey," it said.